So, let's talk about this book.

Hush is the second book in the Pandora's Box duet by Liza James. It follows the story of K and Calypso. Their story is super complicated and super intense. They used to be childhood friends, but now... not so much. If you're into the "enemies to lovers" trope, this is it. Sort of. Honestly, to me, it was more like they tried to hate each other, but you just can't sever some connections. Side note: this duet has a STRONG blanket trigger warning. Both books deal with some heavy, dark stuff.

Let's talk about Liza. Normally, I have a hard time with dark romance, especially since so much of it is M/F. The characters are usually fairly flat and the stories lack what I'm looking for. Liza hits EVERYTHING. The characters are complex, they evolve, have pasts that actually affect who they are now. Vibe and Hush both forced me to look at so much of my own trauma. Especially Vibe. There was so much of me in Aura on that one. Liza manages to write about trauma in such an incredible way. I think that's why I love these two books so much. Not only was I forced to look at my own sexual traumas, but also my religious traumas. I literally had to take small breaks. But they were so worth it. It's weird to say, but Liza manages to capture real trauma in a very real way for these characters.

Now, the good stuff. Honestly, I'm giving this an overall 5 out of 5. On the spice scale, 5 out of 5 because DAMN that's my shit. Both books. Obviously, that's an 18+ deal.

Once again, thanks, Liza. I look forward to the next.